Symbiosis Institute of Design will open SEED 2026 M.Des applications in January 2026

The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) has announced crucial dates for its 2026 design entrance exams. The application window for the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) 2026 for the B.Des program is closing soon on November 30, 2025. The SEED exam for undergraduates is scheduled for January 11, 2026. Simultaneously, postgraduate aspirants should note that the M.Des application process is expected to begin in January 2026, with its separate entrance exam likely in May 2026. Candidates must finalize their registrations quickly to secure a chance for admission into one of India’s premier design institutions.

The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), has released a comprehensive schedule for its Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) 2026, the mandatory gateway for admission into its four-year Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program. The application process, which commenced in August 2025, is now fast approaching its final cut-off date.

​Aspirants for the B.Des program must take urgent note of the following critical dates to ensure their application is successfully submitted and they are eligible to sit for the entrance test.

• ​Online Registration Start Date: The application window opened on August 1, 2025.
• ​Final Registration Deadline: The last date for online registration and payment for both SEED and SID is November 30, 2025 (Sunday).
• ​SEED 2026 Exam Date: The entrance exam, which is a proctored, online test, is scheduled for January 11, 2026 (Sunday).
• ​Admit Card Release: The SEED Admit Card will be available for download from January 5, 2026, up to the exam date.
• ​Result Declaration: The SEED result is slated for release on January 19, 2026, which will be followed by the shortlisting for the second stage.

​Candidates are strongly advised to complete the two-part registration process—registering for the SEED exam and simultaneously applying to the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID)—well before the November 30th deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

​ M.Des Admissions: A Separate and Later Cycle

​For postgraduate design aspirants, the admission cycle for the Master of Design (M.Des) program at Symbiosis Institute of Design follows a different timeline, which is crucial for working professionals and final-year undergraduate students to plan their entry. The M.Des program often focuses on advanced specializations like User Experience Design, Visual Communication, and Product Innovation.

• ​Application Commencement: The online registration for the M.Des program is expected to begin in January 2026.
• ​Extended Application Window: The application period for the M.Des program is notably longer, anticipated to remain open until the third week of April 2026. This allows adequate time for final-year students to complete their degrees.
• ​Separate SEED Exam: M.Des aspirants must appear for a separate SEED Entrance Exam tailored for postgraduate admissions, which is tentatively scheduled for the first week of May 2026. This date is distinct from the B.Des exam in January.
• ​Selection Rounds: The M.Des selection process is typically more extensive and involves: 
  • ​SEED Entrance Exam Score
  • ​Studio Test and Portfolio Review (STPI)
  • ​Personal Interaction (PI)

​Aspirants are highly recommended to monitor the official SID website (sid.edu.in) for the precise dates and detailed eligibility criteria for the M.Des program, particularly the requirements for educational background (typically a Bachelor's degree in Design, Engineering, or Architecture with a minimum of 50% marks).

​ The SID Selection Process: Beyond the Entrance Exam

​Admission to Symbiosis Institute of Design, a top-tier design school in India known for its interdisciplinary approach, is not solely dependent on the SEED exam score. The institute employs a holistic and multi-stage evaluation process to select the most creative and capable minds for its B.Des program.

​B.Des Selection Criteria (After SEED):

​The final merit list is prepared based on a cumulative score combining the following components:

• ​SEED Score: Carries a significant weight (typically 50%) and is the primary factor for shortlisting. The exam assesses a candidate’s abilities in Visual Sensitivity, Observational Skills, General Design Awareness, and Problem-Solving.
• ​Portfolio Review (PR): Candidates shortlisted after the SEED result are required to upload a digital portfolio showcasing their best creative works. This review assesses their range of skills, process documentation, and inherent creative talent.
• ​Personal Interaction (PI) / PRPI Task: This stage involves a Personal Interaction and a related PRPI Task (often a short creative task assigned beforehand or on the spot). This component evaluates a candidate’s communication skills, personality, and motivation for a career in design.

​B.Des Specializations:

​SID offers B.Des in four major disciplines, which further branch into high-demand specializations:

• ​Communication Design: Graphic Design, User Experience Design (UX), Animation Film Design.
• ​Industrial Design: Product Design, Interior Space Design.
• ​Fashion Design
• ​Fashion Communication

​A strong performance across all three evaluation stages is critical for securing a seat in these competitive specializations.

​Conclusion

​The latest schedule release from Symbiosis Institute of Design serves as an urgent reminder for B.Des candidates to complete their SEED 2026 application by the November 30, 2025 deadline. Meanwhile, M.Des aspirants must mark January 2026 as the starting point for their applications. Both cycles demand rigorous preparation not just for the SEED written exam but also for the subsequent, high-stakes Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction rounds. Securing admission to SID is a definitive step toward a high-growth career in the dynamic global design industry.

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